Ukrainian UI/UX designer Anna Totska: I have always been attracted to the opportunity to create something that can improve people's lives

Anna Totska is a Ukrainian UI/UX designer who refers to this field as "architecture" and aims to improve people's lives through her work. Anna shared with Drive Music Media the story of how her design career began, the large-scale projects she has worked on, and the types of commissions she would never agree to take on.

Interviewer: How and when did you realize that you wanted to work in design? What inspired you?

Anna: My journey into design began in childhood, when I passionately painted everything around me. This childhood enthusiasm gradually transformed into a professional interest. I used to draw even in my notebooks during class, which might have made me memorable to some teachers. I was always fascinated by the opportunity to create something new, something that could improve people's lives. I'm especially inspired by the power of design to create an emotional connection between a product and its users.

Interviewer: What were your first steps in this field? Tell us about your first project.

Anna: My first experience was in a small startup. It was like assembling a constructor set, where I built entire interfaces from small details. Of course, not everything was perfect, but this experience gave me an understanding of how different tools and technologies work. My first project was fairly simple — a landing page for a new service. Even in such a small project, I was able to apply my knowledge of usability and visual design. It was my first step toward creating truly useful products.

Interviewer: What is the main feature and distinction of UX/UI design from other types of design?

Anna: UX/UI design is like architecture but for the digital world. It stands out for its complexity and user-centered approach. Unlike other design fields, here we focus not only on aesthetics but also on functionality and usability.

Interviewer: You’ve worked on designs for various companies and organizations. Which of these projects do you remember the most? Why? What was the process of working on it like?

Anna: One of the largest projects I had the honor to work on involved developing an integrated platform for managing resources within a large organization. The main task was to optimize internal processes and ensure a high level of security. This project required integrating multiple functions, such as managing visitors, projects, and employees, which presented unique challenges. I developed solutions that allowed for information access control, user activity tracking, and protection against unauthorized access.

Interviewer: What would you name as the main advantages and disadvantages of working as a UX/UI designer, considering your experience?

Anna: The advantages of this field include the ability to express creativity, as design is an art that allows you to bring your ideas and visions to life. I also value the flexibility and freedom that come with remote work.

On the downside, the industry is highly competitive, requiring constant development and skill enhancement to remain relevant. Another drawback is the high level of responsibility. Every decision we make can affect a product's success. There are also situations where we have to work under tight deadlines and with limited resources. However, these challenges make our work so engaging.

Interviewer: What challenges have you faced in your career? How did you overcome them? How difficult is it to continue your career during russia's full-scale war against Ukraine?

Anna: One of the main challenges for specialists in our field during the war has been the increased competition in the IT market. This has led to lower average salaries and higher requirements for candidates. Many companies seek to hire experienced professionals but offer conditions that are more suited to junior positions. This creates a labor market imbalance and complicates the job search process.

In addition to market-wide issues, internal challenges within companies also arise. It's often difficult to determine whether a company is the right fit even after several rounds of interviews. Corporate culture, management style, and approach to employees are critical factors.

A company must ensure its management and project levels align with the employee’s potential while mitigating risks. Fulfillment of agreements between parties is also crucial. Regardless of a specialist's level, their opinion should be valued and respected. Constructive criticism is welcome, but mutual respect and acceptance are essential.

For me, the ideal company is one that values my expertise, provides opportunities for professional growth, and fosters an atmosphere of mutual respect and constructive dialogue.

Interviewer: What projects are you currently working on?

Anna: Currently, I am working on several small part-time projects, but my priority is finding a stable position in a team where I can apply my skills to larger-scale projects. I am open to new opportunities.

Interviewer: What projects would you like to work on?

Anna: I am particularly interested in working on mobile apps with a social impact, where I can conduct in-depth research and implement innovative solutions. I am also open to working on various projects, including mobile applications or platforms with exciting goals.

Interviewer: What are your professional deal-breakers? What kind of project wouldn’t you take on, either for free or for pay? Why?

Anna: There are certain projects I would prefer not to work on, particularly those related to casinos, betting, or other 18+ content. I believe that my work as a designer should bring value and positive experiences to users, not encourage harmful habits or risky actions. I do not want to be involved in projects that might harm people or prompt negative behaviors. Projects that conflict with my moral principles are not something I want to take part in.

Interviewer: What word best describes your creativity when working in design? Why?

Anna: If I had to choose one word to describe my work, it would be "synthesis". In UX/UI design, I constantly deal with various elements: visual styles, typography, interactive elements, and information architecture. Creating a successful interface involves combining all these elements into a cohesive whole that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional and user-friendly.

Pictures were provided by Anna Totska